It presents an issue of morals versus extremely finite legal issues: a question that is truly hard to answer.

It is clear from a moral perspective that she should be able to be able to receive medical treatment. But should she be able to harmlessly bend the rules? The article would suggest yes by implying that the guard is in the wrong here by denying her the chance for dental care.

But one must look at it from the guard’s perspective. If the market were to be caught with somebody selling without a license, it could get into serious legal trouble. What really hits the Root family hardest, and to me seems the most unfair, is that the busking and begging is completely legal, whereas selling it is not. The fact that such a minute difference can mean so much to a family is remarkable.

Though briefly an unhappy occurrence for Madison Root, it is nice to see that people are so willing to help a young girl get her braces on.

Welcome to The Seattle Times' online letters to the editor, a sampling of readers' opinions. Join the conversation by commenting on these letters or send your own letter of up to 200 words letters@seattletimes.com.